Profiles of American League teams

2013 record: 97-65 (Made thrilling worst-to-first turnaround from AL East basement to World Series title)

Had an inspired campaign under battle cry "Boston Strong" following fatal Boston Marathon bombings with slugger David "Big Papi" Ortiz leading the way. Need continued strong pitching and an encore from closer Koji Uehara. Relying on young shortstop Xander Bogaerts and missing free agent Jacoby Ellsbury.

2013 record: 92-71 (Won wild-card playoff game over Cleveland before losing to Boston in the Division Series)

Small-market Rays remain a contender with their vaunted stable of talented young pitchers. Hoping for bust-out season from young outfielder Wil Myers and steady closing by Grant Balfour, returning to Tampa Bay after three seasons in Oakland.

2013 record: 92-70 (Won their last 10 games to win wild-card berth before losing one-game playoff to the Rays)

Justin Masterson blossomed at the head of a young rotation and second baseman Jason Kipnis keyed an attack that helped the Indians reach the postseason for first time in six years under new manager Terry Francona. Lost Ubaldo Jimenez to free agency but hope young Danny Salazar steps up.

James Shields solidified a young rotation last season, and this season the focus has been on polishing the top of the batting order with additions of Norichika Aoki and Omar Infante to set table for Royals' crop of talented hitters. Looking for first playoff berth since 1985.

2013 record: 66-96 (Repeated same lacklustre record as they wait for development of young players)

Twins escaped third successive basement finish thanks to the White Sox. Added Ricky Nolasco and Phil Hughes to questionable rotation and hold out hope that young outfielders Oswaldo Arcia and Aaron Hicks emerge to support the polished hitting of Joe Mauer, shifting from catcher to first base this season.

2013 record: 63-99 (Took a huge step backwards, 22 games in the standings, after a surprisingly good showing in 2012)

A general offensive slump and some injuries led to a White Sox slide that ended in their worst record since 1970. Addition of Cuban slugger Jose Abreu at first base and young center fielder Adam Eaton begins a roster reshaping with more young talent in the minors waiting for their turn.

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Oakland Athletics

Manager: Bob Melvin

2013 record: 96-66 (Won the division title for a second year in a row, and fell to Tigers in five games for second year in a row in Division Series.)

A's were sparked by their fine young pitching staff and emergence of hard-hitting third baseman Josh Donaldson. Lost last year's leading starter Jarrod Parker to injury, but have young Sonny Gray taking over as Opening Day starter and added veteran Scott Kazmir to rotation.

Nearly overcame a late-season slump by winning their last seven. Offense suffered with loss of free agent Josh Hamilton and doping suspension of slugger Nelson Cruz in last two months of season. Have added slugger Prince Fielder in a trade, but must overcome some injuries in their starting rotation.

2013 record: 78-84 (Sub-par seasons from injury-slowed Albert Pujols and Josh Hamilton sent them below .500 for second time in 10 years)

Despite another banner season by young Mike Trout, the offense struggled as Pujols and Hamilton failed to put up their usual power numbers. A return to health and production could do wonders for the Angels, who are counting on new pitchers Hector Santiago and Tyler Skaggs to contribute behind Jered Weaver.

2013 record: 71-91 (Another lackluster season led to departure of manager Eric Wedge)

Made some of the biggest signings of the offseason including Robinson Cano (10-year, 240 million deal), and Corey Hart, but the pieces may not fit with extra outfielders, extra infielders and too many left-handed bats in the lineup. Potentially strong rotation behind ace Felix Hernandez.

2013 record: 51-111 (After setting franchise record with 107 losses in 2012, added four more to that dubious distinction)

The hapless Astros finished 45 games behind the A's with the worst record in the majors in their first season in the American League after being transferred from the NL West. Hope lies with several promising young players, including George Springer and Jonathan Singleton, who both may begin the season in the minors.